Private Pilot License (PPL) – Frequently Asked Questions

To start flight training, you generally need to be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, and have an FAA medical certificate. While you can begin lessons before reaching the age for a pilot certificate, you must meet the specific requirements for each certificate you earn, such as being at least 17 for a private pilot certificate and having a student pilot certificate.

Training time varies depending on your schedule, weather, consistency, and study habits.
• FAA minimum: 40 flight hours
• Typical national average: 60–70 hours
• Most students finish in 6–12 months with steady training.

Costs depend on aircraft type, fuel prices, instructor time, and training frequency.
Training is billed hourly for both:
• Aircraft Rental (wet, fuel included): Typically $365–$580/hr depending on model
• Instructor Time: Variable hourly rate
See our website for the most current pricing.

On average, students take around 65 hours to complete their PPL.

Training is a combination of ground and flight instruction.

Ground Training

• Aerodynamics and flight theory
  • Weather
  • Airspace and regulations
  • Navigation
  • Aircraft systems and performance

Flight Training

• Takeoffs and landings
  • Maneuvers and emergency procedures
  • Navigation and cross-country flying
  • Night flying
  • Solo practice
  • Checkride preparation

Most students obtain a Third-Class Medical Certificate, which is sufficient for private pilots.
Your goals may require a different class of medical later (ex. Commercial).
We recommend completing your medical early in training.

Local AME Resources

Elite does not endorse specific AMEs. You can locate FAA-designated examiners at:
https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator

No. Corrective lenses are acceptable as long as your vision is correctable to 20/20.

Consistency is the key to efficient training.
Flying 2–3 times per week helps maintain skills and keeps total cost and flight time lower.

Yes. Earning your PPL requires:

1. FAA Knowledge Test (written multiple-choice exam)
2. Practical Test (Checkride)
   • Oral exam
   • Flight test with an FAA examiner

Elite Stage Checks
• Internal evaluations performed at key milestones

You may:
• Rent or fly your own aircraft
• Carry passengers
• Travel for recreation
• Begin advanced training (Instrument, Commercial, CFI, etc.)

Elite does not currently offer financing.
All training is pay-as-you-go.

Yes. We are always accepting new students.

1. Complete the Student Intake Form.
2. Schedule a Discovery Flight or first lesson (based on your experience level).

A Discovery Flight is a one-hour introductory lesson and the best way to experience flying.

Your discovery flight begins with a brief pre-flight introduction with one of our certified flight instructors. Together, you’ll review the aircraft, discuss basic flight controls, and go over safety procedures. After a short walk-around inspection, you’ll climb aboard and experience what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat. 

Once airborne, you’ll take the controls under the instructor’s supervision, learning how to climb, turn, and navigate the aircraft while enjoying the view from above. The instructor will handle takeoff and landing, but you’ll do most of the flying once in the air. After landing, there’s time for questions, a quick flight debrief, and information on next steps if you’d like to continue training. 

In total, the experience lasts about one hour — roughly 30–40 minutes of flight time and 15–20 minutes of ground instruction.

Discovery Flight pricing varies by aircraft model.
See our website for current rates.

You are billed for:
• Aircraft Rental – hourly, wet rate (fuel included)
• Instructor Time – hourly

Refer to our website for complete and current pricing.

1. Ground Briefing (15–30 minutes)

• Basic flight concepts
• Weather review
  
• Flight plan and safety
  
• Collection of onboarding documents

2. Pre-Flight Inspection

• Learn the full aircraft walk-around and safety checks.

3. Flight Experience (30–60 minutes)

• Straight-and-level flight
  
• Basic climbs, descents, and turns
  
• Instructor handles takeoff and landing
  
• You fly most of the lesson

4. Post-Flight Debrief

• Review lesson material
  
• Log your first official flight entry
  
• Plan next training steps

Yes. You may select your instructor.
We recommend flying with at least two instructors early to ensure schedule flexibility.

No. Headsets are provided, but you may bring your own if preferred.

Yes.
You may use a physical logbook or an electronic option such as ForeFlight or LogTen.

• Cirrus SR20
  
• Cirrus SR22

No. Elite provides all necessary aircraft for training.

We can train in client-owned, non-managed aircraft.
Requirements include:

Insurance

• Copy of owner’s policy and open pilot warranty information
  
• “Elite Aircraft Services, LLC and its directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, subsidiary or affiliated companies” must be named as additional insured
  
• Waiver of subrogation required
  
• 30 days’ notice of cancellation or changes in coverage

Maintenance Records

• Current logs showing time and routine maintenance

• Private Pilot License
  
• Instrument Rating
  
• Commercial Rating
  
• Recurrent Training